Australian soldier dies in Solomons

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An Australian soldier has died in a fall down a deep shaft while
on patrol in the Solomon Islands.

The accident occurred today as soldiers patrolled with
Australian-led police east of the capital Honiara, the defence
force said.

Full details of the incident were not yet available but it
appeared the soldier suffered fatal injuries when he fell down a
deep shaft, defence said in a statement.

He was pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene.

Defence officials did not release his name but said his next of
kin had been informed.

The soldier was a member of the Sydney-based 3rd Battalion, the
Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), and had been serving in the
Solomon Islands since late January.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the soldier's family and
friends at this difficult time. We are working to provide all
possible support to them," Army chief Lieutenant General Peter
Leahy said today.

Defence Minister Robert Hill joined with General Leahy in
expressing condolences to the soldier's family, friends and
workmates.

Senator Hill said the incident was a reminder of the dangers
facing Australian service men and women.

The soldier was a member of a patrol providing security to
police officers from the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission
to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI).

A full investigation will be held.

There are about 70 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel
deployed in support of RAMSI, which is helping the Solomon Islands'
government restore law and order.

He was the second Australian member of RAMSI to die in the
Solomons.

Australian Protective Services officer Adam Dunning, 26, was
shot and killed in Honiara shortly before Christmas last year. Two
men have been charged with his murder.

Australian sailor Warrant Officer Ian Chill broke his back and
is now a paraplegic after falling 10-metres into a crevasse while
on patrol in the Solomons in June last year.

RAMSI military commander Major Martin May said tonight the
soldier's colleagues were obviously greatly saddened by the loss of
a mate.

"We are bearing up quite well in the circumstances,'' he said by
phone from the Solomons.

"His mates obviously were fairly keen to be out there to assist
today and they are being brought in tonight, and counselling will
be arranged.''

Maj May said the shaft the soldier fell down appeared to be some
sort of natural sinkhole for a cave.

An investigation into the death was under way and soldiers on
the patrol had given statements to the police, he said.

The soldiers were on a routine patrol providing security to
police who were conducting inquiries in the area.

"The prayers and thoughts of my government and people of this
nation go out to the family, friends and colleagues of this young
Australian soldier who had lost his life while serving the people
of Solomon Islands,'' Kemakeza said.

The death of the young soldier was not only a tragic loss to his
family and the Australian Defence Force but also to the cause of
peace in the Solomons, he said.

"To members of his family, let me assure you on behalf of the
people of this nation that your son's good deeds will not be in
vain.''